Page 53 of Love and Other Trials
Tiffany had sworn up and down that day like Scarlett O’Hara with her fist in the air that she would never show up pregnant to another family event. She’d been true to her word, avoiding Deverell get-togethers until Marshall’s baptism and the party Mother had thrown thereafter for her first grandchild.
“Tiffany, pull it together.” Mother’s order was like a harsh blast of cold wind. “You should have thought of all this before you started stress eating again.”
Her hand flew to her throat. “I?—”
Ariel’s throat tightened as her sister’s already tear-streaked face crumpled like a dry muffin. “Come on, Tiff. Everything’s going to be okay. I think Paula’s solution is brilliant. This way you can keep your dress. Because it really is so beautiful. Truthfully, I think your veil will cover the back.”
“Not at the wedding reception.” Tiffany was crying jaggedly again after Mother’s reprimand.
“I’ll bet Rob will think the corset design is hot.” Ariel tried to give her a winning smile. “No one is going to know it was supposed to be different. Besides, I bet you’ll be more comfortable with the strings.”
God, she was reaching deep for positives. Next up, fairies and unicorns?
Tiffany wiped her nose and handed Ariel another tissue. “All right. It’s not perfect, but what choice do I have? Ariel, everything else has to be perfect, okay?”
The weight of that demand nearly crushed her. Suddenly she wished Sherlock was beside her, giving her one of his soulful looks.
Or Dax.
She could really use one of his smiles now.
“I’ll do my best, Tiffany.” She threw the tissues away and turned. “Okay, Paula. Sounds like we have a plan. Let’s talk some more details.”
When they left the little house, Ariel felt a little better. Paula wasn’t taking advantage of their plight by charging something unreasonable, and she’d promised to have it ready for pickup on Friday morning.
“Ariel, are you sure that’s enough time to have it pressed?” Tiffany asked, her face splotchy from crying.
“We’ll get it done,” she said with an authority she didn’t completely feel.
She needed to call the steaming and press service next. She’d given them two days for the appointment. Now she would have to see if they could do a rush job because of this disaster.
If they couldn’t handle it, she would find someone to steam and iron it by hand, God help her.
Her phone chimed, signaling a text. Helping Tiffany into the back of Mother’s car, she checked it as she walked around to the driver’s side.
Tornado #2
Our dresses fit! Tricia’s opening a bottle of tequila. Tell Tiffany we have a bottle of silver waiting for her since it’s her new fave.
She’d noticed the silver before. When had Tiffany started drinking silver? She’d always been a gold girl. Maybe it was Rob’s influence? Didn’t matter. She pocketed her phone, trying to be grateful they had the wedding dress taken care of.
Disaster averted. Her house was still on track. Whew!
Entering the car, she was aware of the tension hanging in the vehicle. Harsh words had a way of doing that. “Good news! Terry’s and Tricia’s dresses fit.”
“Well, that’s something at least,” Mother commented, picking at her manicure after putting her designer sunglasses on.
Tiffany didn’t say anything but only swiped at a lone tear as she looked out the window, a study of a pale woman in complete desolation. Ariel didn’t know what else to do, so she started driving them back to the resort.
She’d always hated being left out. The different one. But in some ways, the silence in the car right now was worse. When her mother and the Three Tornadoes turned on each other, the wreckage was the worst kind.
Usually, it portended more disaster.
TWELVE
The whiskey was almost finished,the garlic wreaths nearly done when footsteps sounded on the front door porch.
Sherlock gave a welcome ruff. Dax felt a silly grin spread across his face. He and Rob had spent the afternoon shooting the shit. Back on track. Now his girl was home…
